'2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup can bring football revolution'

Buoyed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's support to the FIFA U-17 World Cup to be held in the country next year, Tournament Director Javier Ceppi said the government's involvement in the prestigious event will play a major role towards creating a "football revolution" in India.

The Local Organising Committee set up by All India Football Federation is working in tandem with the government to ensure that the event turns out to be a massive success.

While inaugurating a multipurpose sports complex in Jammu and Kashmir yesterday, PM Modi said that the opportunity of hosting a FIFA World Cup will be a big boost for the youth especially the sports lovers in India.

Encouraged by the continued support from the PM, Tournament Director FIFA U-17 World Cup 2017 Ceppi said, "This reflects the continued support that the government of India is giving FIFA U-17 WC Indian 2017. The fact that the PM of the country is repeatedly talking about the tournament is a clear indication that the event is much more than just a sporting competition.

"This is a unique opportunity to create a youth revolution in the country and the LOC has very comprehensive plans to make this revolution happen and take football to the whole nation. Although the event will happen in six states, the plan is that all the youth of India can experience football and we are very much in sync with the government to turn this in to reality."

Image: FIFA officials inspecting the stadiums in India for U-17 FIFA World Cup.

Photograph: AIFF Media